Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Dec 16, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Dec 16, 2024 - Feb 10, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 15, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
A Practical Guide and Assessment on Using ChatGPT to Conduct Grounded Theory: Tutorial
ABSTRACT
Generative large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, have significant potential for qualitative data analysis. This paper aims to provide an early insight into how LLMs can enhance the efficiency of text coding and qualitative analysis, and evaluate their reliability. Using a dataset of semi-structured interviews with blind gamers, this study provides a step-by-step tutorial on applying ChatGPT (4-Turbo) to the grounded theory approach. The performance of ChatGPT (4-Turbo) is evaluated by comparing its coding results with manual coding results assisted by qualitative analysis software. The results revealed that ChatGPT (4-Turbo) and manual coding methods exhibited reliability in many aspects. The application of ChatGPT (4-Turbo) in grounded theory enhanced the efficiency and diversity of coding and updated the overall grounded theory process. Compared to manual coding, ChatGPT showed shortcomings in depth, context, connections, and coding organization. Limitations and recommendations for applying AI in qualitative research were also discussed.
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